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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Cosopt and Equivalent

Cosopt Information

Cosopt is a combination ophthalmic solution containing two active ingredients: dorzolamide hydrochloride (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and timolol maleate (a beta-adrenergic blocker). This medication is used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions are characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and potentially lead to irreversible vision loss. Cosopt works through a dual mechanism: dorzolamide reduces the secretion of fluid into the eye by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, while timolol decreases the production of aqueous humour (the fluid inside the eye). By acting synergistically to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), Cosopt helps protect the optic nerve and preserve vision effectively.

Cosopt Side Effects

The most common side effects of Cosopt may include burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eye upon instillation, blurred vision, dry eyes, eye itching, eye redness, and a bitter, sour, or unusual taste in the mouth. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Depression or mood changes;
• Eye pain, inflammation, or infection (e.g., severe redness, discharge);
• Increased sensitivity to light;
• Severe allergic reaction, such as rash, severe itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), or severe dizziness, trouble breathing;
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., blistering, peeling);
• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., decreased urination, swelling in legs/feet);
• Slow or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting (signs of systemic beta-blocker effects);
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision or other significant vision changes;
• Symptoms of metabolic acidosis (e.g., rapid breathing, fatigue, confusion) or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat);
• Worsening of breathing problems (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath, especially if you have asthma or COPD).

Cosopt Precautions

Do not use Cosopt if you are allergic to dorzolamide, timolol, any sulfonamide medications, or any other ingredients in this medication. Also, do not use it if you have certain reactive airway diseases such as bronchial asthma (current or history), severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or specific heart conditions including sinus bradycardia (slow heartbeat), second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, overt cardiac failure, or cardiogenic shock. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including any heart conditions, low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease (especially severe impairment), liver disease, a history of sulfonamide allergy, metabolic acidosis, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon), or other eye conditions (e.g., corneal conditions, narrow-angle glaucoma). Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially other eye drops. There may be significant drug interactions with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, oral beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, quinidine, and catecholamine-depleting drugs. Using two or more beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (oral or ophthalmic) is not recommended. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Cosopt should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks from both components. Both dorzolamide and timolol pass into breast milk; discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Remove contact lenses before using Cosopt and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience blurred vision or dizziness after using this medication. In older adults, caution is advised as they may be more susceptible to systemic side effects.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Cosopt comes as a sterile ophthalmic solution (eye drops). The usual dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily (e.g., morning and evening). Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and look up. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and squeeze out one drop. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to avoid contamination. Close your eyes gently for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are using other eye drops, administer them at least 5 minutes apart from each other. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose; then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Store Cosopt at room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F), protected from light. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Cosopt?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Cosopt.